AZ-900 vs AWS Cloud Practitioner: Which Beginner Cloud Exam Should You Take First?
Cloud computing is a highly sought-after skill for information technology professionals these days. Whether you are at the onset of your career or considering a career change, getting an entry-level certification is a great step forward.
Two of the most sought-after options are Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) practice test and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) exam. Both are entry-level examinations designated for newbies that do not necessarily need cloud experience and are a great foundation builder toward higher certifications.
Which one do you attempt first? Here is the comparison of AZ-900 practice test vs AWS Cloud Practitioner exam in terms of exam format, question types, career alignment and long-term advantage. By the end of this blog, you will have a clear guide on which exam is more aligned with your career objective.
Table of Contents
What is AZ-900 (Microsoft Azure Fundamentals)?
The AZ-900 exam is Microsoft’s entry-level certification for Azure. It is ideal for students, non-technical professionals, and IT beginners who want to understand cloud concepts.
- Exam Code: AZ-900
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
- Number of Questions: 40–60
- Format: Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, case studies
- Passing Score: 700/1000
- Cost: Around $99
AZ-900 focuses heavily on Azure-specific services, security, compliance, pricing, and support. It also introduces you to the shared responsibility model and Microsoft’s global cloud infrastructure.
What is AWS Cloud Practitioner?
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) is Amazon’s beginner-level certification designed for individuals with little or no cloud experience.
- Exam Code: CLF-C02
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Number of Questions: 65
- Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-response
- Passing Score: 700/1000
- Cost: Around $100
This exam covers AWS core services, pricing, billing, security, and cloud best practices. It places a strong emphasis on real-world use cases across industries. AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is globally recognized and often considered a starting point for AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Developer Associate tracks.
AZ-900 vs AWS Cloud Practitioner: Key Differences
Feature | AZ-900 | AWS Cloud Practitioner |
Cloud Provider | Microsoft Azure | Amazon Web Services |
Exam Duration | 45–60 mins | 90 mins |
Questions | 40–60 | 65 |
Format | MCQs, drag-and-drop, case studies | MCQs, multiple-response |
Focus | Azure services, compliance, pricing | AWS services, billing, real-world use |
Cost | $99 | $100 |
Best For | Beginners planning Azure ecosystem career | Beginners planning AWS ecosystem career |
What Kind of Job Roles Need These Certifications?
Both AZ-900 and AWS Cloud Practitioner are valuable for entry-level IT roles across industries adopting cloud services. Common job roles include:
- Cloud Support Associate – Assisting with troubleshooting and cloud service issues.
- IT Administrator / Helpdesk Analyst – Supporting infrastructure and cloud-integrated systems.
- Sales Engineer / Pre-Sales Consultant – Explaining cloud benefits to customers.
- Business Analyst – Understanding cost, billing, and cloud ROI.
- Junior Developer or Data Engineer – Beginning to build on cloud platforms.
Domains like finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and government IT often list these certifications as desirable for candidates working in cloud-enabled environments.
Career Progression After Taking AZ-900 or AWS Cloud Practitioner
Earning one of these beginner certifications is just the start. Once you complete AZ-900, the next logical steps are role-based certifications like Azure Administrator (AZ-104), Azure Security Engineer, or Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-305).
If you choose the AWS Cloud Practitioner, you can progress to AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03), AWS Developer Associate, or AWS SysOps Administrator. These certifications open doors to specialized cloud careers and significantly higher-paying roles.
So, Which Exam Should You Take First?
The choice between AZ-900 practice test vs AWS Cloud Practitioner depends on your career goals, company environment, and future certifications.
In preparation for a profession where you’ll collaborate with businesses already using Microsoft software such as Office 365, Windows Server, or Dynamics, the AZ-900 will follow naturally. It introduces you to the Microsoft environment and prepares you for role-specific certifications such as Azure Administrator or Security Engineer.
If you are considering making a career out of businesses based on Amazon Web Services—the cloud platform most widely used globally—you need to begin with the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam. It is a solid preparation ground for AWS specializations such as Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer, or Machine Learning.
Start your cloud certification journey with Certify360 today
Still unsure whether to choose AZ-900 vs AWS Cloud Practitioner? Certify360 has you covered. Our beginner-friendly cloud courses include exam-style questions, detailed explanations, and AZ-900 practice tests designed to mimic the real exam. Whether you start with Azure or AWS, we’ll help you build a strong cloud foundation.
FAQs:
Are AZ-900 and AWS Cloud Practitioner equally recognized?
Yes, both certifications are globally recognized. The decision between AZ-900 vs AWS Cloud Practitioner depends on which cloud platform you want to specialize in.
Which exam is easier: AZ-900 or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Most learners find AZ-900 slightly easier since it has fewer questions and a shorter duration compared to AWS Cloud Practitioner.
Do I need cloud experience for these exams?
No prior cloud experience is required. Both AZ-900 practice test and AWS Cloud Practitioner are designed for complete beginners.
